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DRIVING

EXPLAINED: The dos and don’ts of driving in Switzerland

If you are going to drive in Switzerland (or are already driving here), you should know the road rules that apply to all vehicles. Some of them are pretty much the same as elsewhere in Europe, while others differ.

Published: 17 May 2023 16:34 CEST
Updated: 4 October 2023 17:08 CEST
A car on a Swiss road
Photo by Alain Duss on Unsplash

Get your tyres right

In Switzerland, it is common practice to swap your summer tyres for winter ones come October – but what if you don’t? If you’re looking to save money and hit the road with your winter tyres in the warmer months, then know that this is by no means illegal, but it is strongly discouraged.

In fact, various tests show that winter tyres have a significantly longer breaking distance on both dry and wet roads at higher temperatures when compared to summer tyres. As such, they are generally considered unsuitable for summer due to their rubber compound which reduces traction and driving stability.

Since in Switzerland the driver must be able to control their vehicle in every situation and is legally obliged to equip the car in an operational and roadworthy manner, an accident that’s caused while driving with the wrong tyres can be either wholly or partially rejected by your insurer – and that can cost you dearly.

READ ALSO: When must I change my winter tyres in Switzerland?

Leave your flip flops at the beach

It may come as a surprise that driving barefoot or in flip flops in the summer months in Switzerland is not illegal according to Article 31 of the Road Traffic Act (SVG) – but don’t let that tempt you.

While not prohibited, it is by no means advisable to drive barefoot or wearing loose-fitting shoes as the risk of slipping – especially with sweaty feet – is not only too high but may cost you a fair penny.

If you do decide to drive in shoes that are considered unsuited for driving safely and happen to be in an accident, you will be committing an offence. In addition, your insurance company may determine that you have acted with gross negligence and refuse to cover any of the cost related to the accident.

Pro tip: leave a pair of sneakers (and socks) in your car for times like these.

Drivers on a mountain road

Drivers on a mountain road. Photo: Julita on Pixabay

No vignette, no motorway

If you are planning to travel on Switzerland’s motorways, you need a special sticker called a ‘vignette’ with the grace period for not having one ending on February 1st – this also applies to tourists who are only in Switzerland for a short amount of time.

If you don’t buy the sticker – which costs 40 Swiss francs within Switzerland – and police stop you, you could be fined 200 Swiss francs. You will also have to buy the sticker in addition to paying the fine.

READ ALSO: Swiss vignette: What you need to know about Switzerland’s motorway charge sticker

Car lights must be on day and night

Unlike in many European countries, you must leave your headlights on when driving in Switzerland during the day. This law, which came into force on January 1st 2014, applies to all motor vehicles, including two-wheelers. Failure to do so will result in a fine of 40 Swiss francs.

Note that Switzerland differentiates between daytime running, low beam, high beam, parking and fog lights, and always ensure you have the appropriate light switched on for the time of day and/or weather.

Don’t drive cars registered abroad

If your friend drives over for a visit from a foreign country and you can’t wait show them around your new home, remember that you – as a person living in Switzerland – are not allowed to drive a car (within Switzerland) that is registered in a different country. This is not possible under customs law since the car is considered imported and must be declared and taxed.

So, even if a friend is kind enough to lend you their car for a few days, it is smarter to just say no. If you are caught by police driving around in a car that is registered abroad, you will be liable to pay a hefty fine at best.

Passengers can be liable for drink driving

If the driver of a car you happen to be in has a blood alcohol level of 0.5 and over, note that you as a passenger may be fined for allowing your intoxicated friend to drive.

In Switzerland, professional drivers, new drivers (driving licence on probation), learner drivers, driving instructors and persons accompanying learner trips, which are mandatory after passing a driver’s test, are subject to an alcohol limit of 0.01 percent.

Warning triangle a must

If you’re hitting the road in Switzerland, you must have a warning triangle in your car all year round. High-visibility vests and first-aid kits are not mandatory, but it is advisable to store those in your vehicle too just in case.

If you happen to be involved in an accident in Switzerland or your car breaks down, drive the vehicle to the nearest curb and set up the red warning triangle behind the car to warn oncoming traffic.

A person driving

Photo by Orkun Azap on Unsplash.

Don’t look at your phone

Sounds simple enough, right? However, though you are allowed to hold your phone while driving in Switzerland, if you hold it to your ear, text, call or even so much as glance at it, you will be committing a criminal offence and risk paying a 100-franc fine. Police can also withdraw your driver’s licence. It is therefore best to place your phone in the glove department. Out of sight, out mind – well, almost.

Know the right of way when driving on mountain roads

When driving on mountain roads in Switzerland it is important to note that, as a rule of thumb, the ascending vehicle has the right of way. If it is not possible to drive past one another, the descending vehicle must back up unless the ascending vehicle is close to a passing point.

Drivers should also note that heavy vehicles, such as trucks, coaches, and buses, have priority over other vehicles driving both up and downhill. Additionally, coaches have priority over trucks on mountain roads.

If you cross paths with a post bus and neither of you can easily drive past, you must follow the instructions of the bus driver.

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For members

DRIVING

The roads and tunnels in Switzerland where drivers need to pay a toll

While you’re likely to encounter some of the most spectacular scenery as you drive through Switzerland, you may also experience an eye-watering fine if you’re unaware of the tolls that may apply. 

Published: 14 May 2024 09:50 CEST
The roads and tunnels in Switzerland where drivers need to pay a toll

Here is where you’ll need to be fully paid-up while driving through the alpine nation – and where further charges can apply. 

Mandatory motorway vignettes

Suppose you’re planning on driving on any of the country’s motorways or expressways (those designated on maps and signs with an A followed by a number). In that case, you’ll need to pay 40 CHF for a vignette each year – either displayed as a sticker on your car or tied electronically to your car’s licence plate. 

If you get caught without one—cameras are everywhere—you may be fined 200 CHF for each infraction. 

Thankfully, the Swiss make it very easy to obtain a vignette. 

They can be purchased at border crossings, post offices and petrol stations. You can also buy the e-vignette online here – Swiss authorities have warned motorists to avoid purchasing it from other sources, which add a markup. 

READ MORE: What you need to know about Switzerland’s motorway vignette

Tolls for tunnels 

While a motorway vignette will be enough to drive around most of Switzerland, there are exceptions where you’ll need to pay extra. 

The first is the Munt la Schera Tunnel which connects the Engadin valley in the canton of Graubünden with the Lago di Livigno reservoir that borders Italy. 

Initially constructed to move building materials, the three-and-a-half-kilometre tunnel is still privately owned by a local power company, so it is permitted to charge an extra toll. 

Fees vary depending on your kind of vehicle, whether you’re making a return journey, and the time of year—the current price schedule is available here. The toll is paid at either side of the tunnel. 

As a single-lane tunnel, the direction of travel alternates every fifteen minutes, so drivers can expect a short wait. 

Cyclists are not permitted to use the tunnel, although there are shuttle buses that can transport bikes. 

READ MORE: The new laws drivers in Switzerland need to know.

Two rail tunnels offer a car transport service for an additional fee. 

The first is the twenty-kilometre Simplon tunnel between Brig in the canton of Valais and Domodossola in Italy. 

The second is the fourteen-kilometre Lötschberg tunnel between Kandersteg in the canton of Bern and Goppenstein in the canton of Valais. 

Each journey takes about twenty minutes, and tickets can be purchased for the Simplon tunnel here and the Lötschberg tunnel here. 

The final toll tunnel—and arguably the most famous one—is the Grand-Saint-Bernard tunnel, which charges a toll and connects Martigny in the canton of Valais with the Aosta valley in Italy. 

Consisting of two lanes, the tunnel stretches six kilometres through the Alps. 

Much like the Munt la Schera tunnel, there is a schedule of fees, and the kind of vehicle determines prices, as well as whether you intend to return via the tunnel. Again, the toll can be paid at either entrance. 

Despite some recent media speculation, the Swiss Federal Council has opposed the idea of introducing further tolls on the Gotthard and San Bernardino tunnels. Instead, other strategies are currently being explored to combat the ongoing problem of traffic congestion.

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